Body & Soul – Still WFH? Why you (unfortunately) need to master self-promotion to be seen

Posted On 10 May 2022

Body & Soul – Still WFH? Why you (unfortunately) need to master self-promotion to be seen

10 May 2022
Does your boss really know how hard you work?

Candidate Resource, Employer Resource, Interview Tips, On The Job, Popular Culture

Does your boss really know how hard you work?

In a time of remote and hybrid work, the rules of how we perform our jobs have changed dramatically. We must be self-sufficient, self-motivated, self-managed and yes, self-promoting.

The way we communicate with our bosses and co-workers has changed. No more incidental water cooler chats and conversations of the weekend, sport, family, etc. All of these make us visible, seen, heard and ‘promote’ us in subtle but significant ways. In fitting the new job order, so too must the way we operate and work.

Don’t be blinded into thinking your work will speak for itself or your boss ‘knows how hard you work’. That might be the case for a week, a month or even a little longer, but when ‘out of sight’, it’s a precarious position, without some form of consistent interaction, communication and dare I say, evidence and proof. What if the boss that knows you well leaves? Or you start a new job?

We need to change the way we think about self-promotion

Most of us view self-promotion negatively. After all, no one likes a bragger. Well, if you work from home (WFH) or remotely and want to remain employable, you need to master self-promotion. Before you close this article in disbelief, research has shown inequity in promotion between remote and office-based workers. Why? When working remotely, employees didn’t develop relationships and had no opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Self-promotion must be one of your new ‘it’ skills.

Self-promotion is not bragging. Instead, it’s the practice of purposefully presenting oneself as highly competent to other people. When done properly, self-promotion demonstrates pride in your work, and if you are not a naturally arrogant person, there is no reason for others to perceive you that way. Self-promotion also doesn’t exclude humbleness and self-criticism.

Don’t worry, you can be subtle about the way you self-promote

When working remote, there are subtle and smart ways to self-promote:

  • Put your hand up. If you are interested in promotions, career advancement, education, training – tell your boss! If you don’t hear back, don’t take it personally; follow up. Be involved in other projects outside of your own team if/when possible. It demonstrates dependability and assists in developing additional skills.
  • It starts with ‘we’. If you are itching to talk about an achievement and just can’t, bring yourself to say, ‘I’, instead, say, ‘we’. It will get you talking on the subject, your knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm will shine through, and your involvement will be evident without stating so. If you are asked about the part you played, you can elaborate at that point.
  • Relationships and networks. Part of the appeal of WFH is the reduced work distractions. If you are an introvert, this is even more appealing. However, the interactions caused by the ‘distractions’ is part of what gets you seen, noticed and known. They build those vital interpersonal skills. Offer to assist your boss and colleagues with different tasks and projects as this will see you more involved and with increased team interaction. Know the organisational chart, especially if you are in a new job, and who’s who.
  • Be seen – literally. Be early for online meetings, always have your camera on and join the pre-chats. Know the agenda, even when it’s a rolling work in progress meeting and speak up. Prepare beforehand and contribute to discussions and sessions. Don’t be the first to leave; hang around, if only for a few minutes afterwards. Attend all virtual meetings, team buildings, hangouts and play an active role. If you can make it into the office on occasions, do so and coordinate on the same days as your boss and colleagues.
  • Be proactive. If you need help, ask for it and for regular feedback. It opens up the forum to discuss your performance, achievements and to review your progress – which is self-promotion, subtly. If not already in place, ask for regular catch-ups – monthly or quarterly, to provide an opportunity to discuss updates in the business, your developments areas, achievements, etc.
Quick question: when was your last performance review?

Performance reviews are your prime opportunity to self-promote. Don’t be shy to do so. If ever there was an ok time to go all out to self-promote, it’s at a performance review! In fact, it’s expected! But preparation is key. Keep a working diary/report. Make it weekly or monthly and record achievements, successes, roadblocks, struggles and reflections. Use all the information to back yourself. Practice saying your comments aloud, as this will help you be comfortable and at ease on the day.

If it’s a rainy day, we adjust and take an umbrella or raincoat with us. Or we accept that we will get wet. It’s no different to other changing conditions in life. If the work model has changed, so too must the way we deal and cope. We adjust or accept the reality. Use the umbrella to safeguard your future employability!

“In the present-day corporate world, it is of utmost importance to build a personal brand for yourself and anyone who knows the basics of brand-building would know that it is impossible without proper self-promotion!”
― Abhishek Ratna

About the author
Roxanne Calder
Managing Director

As Founder and Managing Director at EST10, Roxanne has an all-encompassing role that includes building and growing the business, as well as actively recruiting and consulting.

After completing a Bachelor’s Degree at Monash University, Roxanne began her recruitment career with renowned recruiter Julia Ross. From there, Roxanne worked in HR and recruitment with a number of global players and boutique businesses throughout Australia, the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong for over 20 years. She has been responsible for managing large teams and projects, implementing RPO models, managing and assisting businesses to an IPO and assisting companies in setting up their recruitment teams and processes.

Following completion of her MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management, Roxanne launched EST10 in July 2010. In doing so, she hoped to combine the flexibility and high touch service levels of boutique agencies with the structure and strategy afforded to larger firms. Roxanne believes in high-touch, high-care consulting and is always on the lookout for consultants that share this vision of recruitment.

Our Blog
Related Articles
How self-sabotaging is your career’s number 1 enemy
Most of us are aware of the concept of self-sabotage. We have read about it, perhaps even pondered i...
Invisible Ink
Have you heard of ‘invisible ink’ before? If I have worked on a job brief with you, I would have...
He’s just not that into you!
Fly undone? Excruciating to hear but necessary to know. One, single dark facial hair on your chin (i...
Invisible Ink
Have you heard of ‘invisible ink’ before? If I have worked on a job brief with you, I would have...
He’s just not that into you!
Fly undone? Excruciating to hear but necessary to know. One, single dark facial hair on your chin (i...
How self-sabotaging is your career’s number 1 enemy
Most of us are aware of the concept of self-sabotage. We have read about it, perhaps even pondered i...
He’s just not that into you!
Fly undone? Excruciating to hear but necessary to know. One, single dark facial hair on your chin (i...
How self-sabotaging is your career’s number 1 enemy
Most of us are aware of the concept of self-sabotage. We have read about it, perhaps even pondered i...
Invisible Ink
Have you heard of ‘invisible ink’ before? If I have worked on a job brief with you, I would have...